7 Facts About White Plains Home & Roof Cleaning
Regular roof cleaning preserves the life of a roof’s shingles and tiles, removing damaging algae, grit, grime, moss, and soot, and restoring the color of the roof as well. Roof washing is vital for homes in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess County, NY because of the humidity and wet weather.
Before & After
Here are seven things every homeowner should know about residential roof washing:
- Roof washing is not a DIY job but takes skill and know-how.
- Older roofs are best cleaned with a soft wash system.
- Moss and algae are not just unsightly but cause severe damage to shingles.
- Debris does not need to be visible from the ground to be severe enough to damage your roof.
- Roof power washing is not an overpriced service, but a valuable investment in the condition of your home.
- Insurance companies can cancel your policy if your roof is dirty.
- New York humidity is a major cause of algae, moss, mold, mildew, and lichens on roofs, your home, siding, patio, deck, walkways, and outdoor furniture.
To ensure you are doing everything possible to protect your home’s appearance and condition, these seven things are what you need to know about residential roof cleaning in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess, County NY. This pressure washing information is vital information about power washing your home’s exterior overall.
For free roof, home, and siding power washing estimate or to book an appointment to get your home exterior washed- call Westchester Power Washing at 914-490-8138.
Proper Roof Power Washing Is Not a DIY Job
Never assume you can rent a pressure washer and manage roof washing on your own. There are many reasons why properly cleaning a home’s roof is not a DIY job; note a few of those reasons here:
- Trying to balance on a roof is dangerous on its own; trying to manage a clumsy and powerful pressure washer while standing on a sloped and slick surface is very difficult, and virtually impossible for those not experienced in roofing. Falling off a roof can result in serious injury if not even a fatality.
- While balancing on a ladder is also difficult, but a bit more manageable with a power washer, spraying roofing tiles from below can loosen their nails and staples. Those shingles might then be more likely to come loose in high winds and strong storms! Spraying shingles from below can also result in dangerous and bothersome splatter.
- A proper and thorough roof washing takes skill and expertise, to reach dirt and debris hidden between the cracks and crevices of roofing shingles, or disguised by the dark color of those tiles. You cannot watch “how to clean roof shingles” videos and learn all there is to know about roof washing! Westchester Power Washing knows how to clean around chimneys, vents, flashing, and other such features of a roof, thoroughly without damaging those areas.
- Using too much pressure when washing a roof can loosen the granules on shingles, causing those tiles to become thin and brittle. You can even loosen old and loose shingles or blow shingles right off a roof with too much pressure from a power washer!
- Westchester Power Washing knows the right detergent or surfactant to use on your roof, to dissolve dirt and grime without drying out the shingles and causing damage.
For all these reasons, it’s best to leave roof washing to a professional exterior house cleaning company like Westchester Power Washing who has more than 30 years of soft washing roofs and pressure-cleaning homes, siding, patios, decks, walls, stairs, walkways and even outdoor furniture.
Roofs Are Best Cleaned With a Soft Wash System
A soft wash cleaning begins with the application of particular surfactants or detergents. These cleansers seep into the pits and pores of a home’s roof, working their way along the undersides of roofing tiles and shingles as well as around flashing and other roof materials. Soft wash cleansers are gentle but strong, working to dissolve thick grit, grime, dust, dirt, mud, soot, and other such residues.
Soft wash systems use low-pressure rinsing to remove dirt. This pressure is typically just slightly stronger than the force created by a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Low-pressure rinsing won’t loosen or cause damage to old, brittle roofing tiles, and won’t wash away damaged granules along their surfaces.
Moss and Algae Are Damaging to a Home’s Roof
Moss and algae are especially damaging to a home’s roof. These contaminants hold extra moisture against roof shingles and roof paper; this added moisture causes shingles to get soft and crumbly and can cause roofing paper to tear, leading to water leaks.
Unlike other debris on a home’s roof, moss, algae, mold, and mildew continue to grow over time. These bacteria work their way under a home’s roofing shingles and eventually dislodge those tiles as they continue to spread. Never assume that you can ignore moss, algae, and other such growth on your roof, as overlooking needed washing can lead to a damaged roof and dangerous interior water leaks.
Don’t Wait Until Algae and Other Debris Are Visible to Schedule Roof Washing
A homeowner should never wait until they see lines of algae or moss along roofing shingles or roof edges to schedule power washing for their home. Note why that is, and when you should have your home’s roof washed:
- Algae, moss, mold, and mildew grow best in damp, dark spaces, away from air and sunlight. For a residential roof, these spaces are typically under and around roofing tiles and shingles, in areas unseen from below or during casual visual inspection.
- Once algae and other such debris begin to form, they will grow and spread, dislodging and softening roofing tiles. The more humid the environment, the faster these contaminants will increase so that a roof then suffers quite a bit of damage in a short amount of time.
- Consistent washing of a roof will remove wet leaves, twigs, seeds, and other debris that can cause algae, mold, and other contaminants to grow in the first place! Regular power washing can then prevent damage to the roof and ensure it always looks its best.
- Washing a roof after a particularly stormy time of the year will remove all storm residue and debris that can lead to mold, moss, and other buildups.
Hiring a Westchester Power Washing Is an Investment in Your Home
Regular, professional roof power washing will restore the overall appearance of your home’s roof, removing built-up soot, grime, dust, and other debris, as well as various stains and areas of discoloration. Roofing shingles and tiles will then look fresh and vibrant so that your entire home seems cleaner and newer.
A soft wash system will also remove algae, mold, moss, and mildew that is typically unreachable with a standard hose or pressure washer. The detergents used during a soft pressure washing are meant to penetrate all nooks and crannies of a roof, dissolving dirt and debris trapped under shingles and around roof eaves. Low-pressure rinsing won’t strip away loose tiles or granules on the shingles themselves, while still protecting those tiles from damaging storm residues.
A thorough power washing also reveals areas of damage along the surface of a roof. A home’s roof might have soft spots, indicating the need for structural repair, hidden underwater stains, or layers of soot and grime. A professional cleaning reveals damaged areas so that repairs can be made promptly, preserving the framework of the home and avoiding roof leaks and eventual water damage.
Why Power Wash a House
Your roof cleaning cost is an investment in your home’s structure and condition, as is power washing of your home’s entire exterior. Note why it’s good for every homeowner to have their home pressure washed on a regular basis:
- Consistent cleaning of the home’s gutters, windows, exterior walls, pool deck, and outside concrete and paver stones can restore the color of painted concrete, brick walls, and paver stones, and remove unsightly streaks and dirt from exterior windows. Regular cleaning then enhances a home’s overall curb appeal, making those surfaces and materials seem new and in good repair.
- Power washing a house reveals areas of needed repair, just as it does with a roof. Cleaning a home’s exterior walls can reveal cracks in the brick or tears to aluminum siding, while power washing concrete driveways and walkways can also reveal cracks, chips, and other such damage.
- Built-up dust, dirt, mud, silt, grit, and grime can soften and otherwise damage brick, concrete, and patio stones. Dirty windows become thin and weak over time. Regular washing of these materials prolongs their life and reduces the need for otherwise unnecessary repairs.
- Power washing a home’s gutters removes built-up debris and grime that causes clogs. Clogged gutters allow rainwater to splash over their sides, damaging a home’s exterior walls and foundation. Clean gutters are especially important in tropical areas or those prone to heavy, frequent storms, to help avoid this water damage.
Related Questions
Why clean a new roof?
A roof of any age can be covered with damaging soot, grit, and grime, and it doesn’t take long for algae and other contaminants to start growing under and around roofing shingles. Regular power washing of a roof no matter its age will preserve its condition and appearance.
Can you power wash clay roofing tiles?
Clay roofing tiles should be power washed on a regular basis, to remove damaging dirt, grime, silt, and other such debris. A soft wash cleaning is an excellent option for older or brittle tiles, and clay roofs covered in thick dirt and grime.
Does a detergent or surfactant dry out roofing shingles and tiles?
A detergent or surfactant meant for a home’s roof or exterior surfaces will not dry out shingles or tiles. A professional power washing contractor experienced in roof cleaning will also rinse all traces of such cleansers, so the home’s roof is clean and in good repair.
Do you offer free estimates on the roof, home, patio, deck, driveway, and walkway pressure washing?
Yes, to get a free estimate call us at 914-490-8138.
About Westchester Power Washing
With more than 30 years in the pressure cleaning and soft roof washing business and more than 18,000 happy customers, Westchester Power Washing is one of the few companies that has the experience to deliver the best results for your home’s exterior. If you have questions, want a free estimate, or book an appointment, contact Peter Salotto directly at 914-490-8138.
And yes, Westchester Power Washing is properly insured with Worker’s Compensation and Liability insurance, which most pressure washing companies do not have. This places you, the homeowner, at risk.
